A bit of a slow month for reading since most of the books I managed to get through were from the thriller genre (after ranting last month I am done with these). I really need to stop this addiction since after I finish reading these I am mostly annoyed and irritated at the writer which is a little unfair. Although I have to say even some of the thriller writers I used to enjoy are just serving up books for summer to sell (fair enough but I don’t need to read all of these!)
1. Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason 4/5
Immensely enjoyed this one. This is from my favourite genres or rather types – literary fiction about middle class women. I loved the setting and the characters involved. Any writer who can include appropriate and quality humour in a book about mental illness is fantastic in my book. I really enjoyed the humour in this book especially against the backdrop of very non-funny situation and events.
2. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris 3/5
This was a difficult one to judge although a easy read. When I say easy read I mean its easy to read in context of the subject matter. I have to say I liked the book but didn’t love it and wont be reading the sequels. The value of this books is lies in that it provides a very informative description about life in Auschwitz as an prisoner through the eyes of a few characters. Except that apparently it does not.
I have to say it annoyed me quite a bit that after stating its a memoir the book is pegged as fiction / historical fiction and then the whole basis on which the book is valued – portrayal of daily life in Auschwitz is debunked. If you are happy to read it as a fiction go ahead but I personally did not like how manipulated I felt with the confusing stance of the book.
3. Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé 3/5
This book definitely has an interesting premise and not one I have seen before. Its technically YA and the quality of YA these days is so impressive!
Its based in a fancy school and on the surface seems like a basic YA novel but them you realise its quite an interesting take on race and class issues. I did not see that coming and enjoyed the book although I did feel it could have been edited to be much shorter.
4. Anxious People by Frederick Backman 3/5
I’ll be honest and I had said this before – I like Backman’s writing but its not the kind of writing I really love. Its not the kind of books I am waiting to read since I find it overly sentimental sometimes. But this should not deter you since everyone seems to love Fredrick Backman!
This one has some unexpected twists and turns and I really enjoy how he portrays male relationships whether one between a father and son, between two friends or almost strangers. This book does cover some aspects of mental illness so a slight warning although its so beautifully discussed and portrayed, it melts your heart.
5. Little Deaths by Emma Flint 4/5
I started reading this book on my library book application and was really into it. When it suddenly disappeared and became unavailable – I was so annoyed!
This is a hard read and discusses some hard subjects. I am not really clear of the time period the book is set in but I am guessing around the 80’s and the attitude towards women, women who are mothers and assumptions and expectations on what a mother looks like, behaves like and acts like is quite a revelation. The attitudes reflected in the book feel like quite a shock now but this was totally normal then.
6. The Curfew by T.M. Logan 2/5
I have enjoyed some of Logan’s books but did not enjoy the last two I read including the Curfew. (The other one I didn’t like is The Catch). Its an odd thing to say – its a readable book but not particularly interesting. And I really disliked the father character – extremely annoying.
7. One of the Girls by Lucy Clarke 4/5
I do think Clarke is an excellent writer and the writing makes a lot of the book. The other factor that makes this book what it is is the setting – a hen do in a Greek island with a group of friends with their own history and issues. As thrillers go, the twist was unexpected and I didn’t see it coming which is always a bonus.
Sorry this came out so late but I have been reading so much lately my next reading month post is going to be such a good one. Already have about 3 5 star reads so its been fantastic! Meanwhile my real time reading updates are on Instagram so make sure to follow on there.
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